"I enjoy hearing that people appreciate the new direction while still recognizing my writing," says John Mark Nelson. "It lets me know I'm growing and changing in a way that is still true to my own artistic voice."

Anticipating the release of I'm Not Afraid, Minnesota's own John Mark Nelson and his bandKara Laudon (keys, backup vocals), Benjamin Kelly (bass), Nate Babbs (drums) and Steve Bosmans (guitar)stopped by The Current to perform all new songs live in-studio and to chat with host David Campbell of The Local Show.

Though it's the 21-year-old's fourth studio album, I'm Not Afraid is John Mark Nelson's first label release as the principal signee to GNDWIRE Records, the new label co-founded by Trampled by Turtles frontman Dave Simonett and Twin Cities-based artist manager Mark Gehring.

And with a record deal comes a booking contract. John Mark Nelson recently signed to Billions Corporation, a big break for the local musician. The show booking agency represents artists from Vampire Weekend to Arcade Fire and HAIM, and John Mark Nelson hopes that the new relationship will help the band reach more people in new cities opening for other artists on Billions' roster in addition to headlining tours.

What better way to kick things off than with a hometown headlining gig: John Mark Nelson and his band celebrate the release of I'm Not Afraid this Friday, Sept. 11 in the First Avenue mainroom with opening acts Black Diet and We Are the Willows.

Songs Performed

Hosted by David Campbell
Produced by David Campbell
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Web feature by Leah Garaas

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John Mark Nelson performs live in The Current studio
With the recent release of his third album <em>Sings the Moon</em>, John Mark Nelson stopped by The Current before heading off to Paris to chat with Local Show host David Campbell and to perform tracks off the new record live in our studio.

John Mark Nelson performs in The Current studios
When people hear John Mark Nelson's music for the first time, the sense of disbelief is usually evident. With arrangements that recall songwriters who have been in the business for decades, the 18-year old - and recently graduated - Minnetonka High student is turning heads for the mature compositions he's been recording since the age of 14.

10 Photos

John Mark Nelson performing live in The Current studio
(MPR / Nate Ryan)

John Mark Nelson and his band performing live in The Current studio
(MPR / Nate Ryan)

Steve Bosmans and Benjamin Kelly performing with John Mark Nelson live in The Current studio
(MPR / Nate Ryan)

Kara Laudon and John Mark Nelson performing live in The Current studio
(MPR / Nate Ryan)

John Mark Nelson in The Current studio
(MPR / Nate Ryan)

Nate Babbs performing with John Mark Nelson live in The Current studio
(MPR / Nate Ryan)

Nate Babbs and Kara Laudon performing with John Mark Nelson live in The Current studio
(MPR / Nate Ryan)

John Mark Nelson performing live in The Current studio
(MPR / Nate Ryan)

Nate Babbs performing with John Mark Nelson live in The Current studio
(MPR / Nate Ryan)